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Swollen Stretched Ear?

I recently stretched both my ear lobes from an 18g to a 12g. I understand that is a big jump, but I misread the package and thought I had bought a 16 :(

One of my ears (right) is perfectly fine, it's healing nicely and I can turn it without much discomfort. The lobe is a little sore but no swelling or redness.

The other (left) is quite swollen and red, and hurts. There is no bleeding, or pussing, but there is the expected lymph that is coming out. I did the left one first, and I didn't use any lube and it took it out once and put it back in, so I think it's just angrier.

I took out both tapers in the shower this morning and cleaned them with anti bacterial soap. I cleaned my ears as well. I'm not able to turn the left one with a little bit of pain, but it's still very swollen. I've been doing sea salt soaks and right now I have some ice on it to hopefully bring down the swelling.

I would like to not downsize, as I don't have any money to buy another plug, and I don't have any proper earrings (I only have Claire's brand ones, and I don't think they're good to put in an angry ear...).

PS-The jewelry I have in is Surgical Stainless Steel. I am aware of the dangers of acrylics!

PPS-I'm on a round of antibiotics atm because I just got my wisdom teeth out, so I don't think it's infected.

So should I just wait it out, or is there anything I should/shouldn't be doing? Like I said, I REALLY don't want to downsize. It seems to be stretching well, I can turn it, it's just pretty swollen :(

You have tapers in. Tapers are long and get pulled around, and should not be worn at all, just used to put in jewelry. (while I agree it's not that bad to wear one, you shouldn't especially because your ears are pissed off.)
I know what's it like not being able to buy plugs (they weren't available here when I started stretching, no money and no possibility to order online)
but please, your ears will thank you if you stretch properly. Is there anyone you know that has stretching equipment they don't need anymore? Plugs aren't that expensive. ;\
oh, and in the future, don't skip sizes. You won't save any money by doing that.

It might be an idea to change to glass or titanium, surgical stainless steel still has low levels of nickel in it, which is what irritates most peoples ears when they wear cheap "claire's" earrings. Also, change to plugs. Tapers shouldn't be worn as jewellery. Either way, it looks like you're going to have to change the jewellery anyway, so you'd be as well to downsize to 18 g titanium labret studs or barbells. Wait until your ears feel better before re-stretching, take your time and don't skip sizes. Also, stop turning the jewellery, it will just irritate your ear. How long have you had your ears pierced before you started stretching them?

YEah, i Know you dont want to here it but it really does need to come down a size, and left well alone for a good few weeks. Stretching a piercing isnt something that should be rushed as said your piercing will thank you for taking the time to do it properly.